Commercial real estate is any business property used for the purpose of generating profit. Studies shows the economic impact of commercial real estate contributes almost $750 billion to U.S. GDP, supports 5.7 million U.S. jobs and generates over $230 billion in personal earnings.
Construction of new commercial real estate (including office industrial and retail development and construction), supports nearly 2.3 million American jobs annually, and contributes over $300 billion to the U.S. economy.
In 2014, vacancies were driven lower, delinquencies by month continued their decrease and rents increased as demand increased for commercial real estate space.
Studies of expectations and market realities in real estate show single-property commercial real estate prices set new records in 2014 in both the primary markets and in some secondary markets. Mortgage bankers surveys show an expectation for mortgage debt outstanding to continue decreasing. A January 2015 survey of senior loan officers found bank commercial lending practices saw stronger demand for commercial real estate loans in the final quarter of 2014.
Types of Commercial Real Estate
- Office – Office building or complex of office buildings, used by a single company (including owner/user) or multiple companies.
- Industrial – Include warehouses, distribution buildings, self-storage buildings, manufacturing buildings, telecom centers, data hosting centers and R&D buildings.
- Retail – Include restaurants, department stores, convenience stores, gas stations, grocery stores, specialty stores, discount stores, franchises and other service retailers.
- Hotel – Real estate used by hotels and motels.
Commercial Real Estate Loans From a Bank
Commercial banks have seen across the board increases in total commercial real estate loan origination volume, some lending standards have been loosened. With that having been said, commercial real estate surveys show the top reason applicants are denied a loan from a conventional lender is due to creditworthiness.
For the owner of CRE to obtain a loan from a bank for a commercial mortgage loan or refinancing, they will need 3-5 years financial statements, along with 3 years tax returns, submit a real estate appraisal, along with other documents.
Key Features of Conventional Real Estate Financing
- Maximum Loan-To-Value: 85%
- Conventional Bank Rates: 3-10%
- Conventional Bank Terms: 3-15 years
- Conventional Bank Amortization: Up 25 years
SBA 504 Commercial Real Estate Loans
Small Business Administration CDC/504 real estate and equipment program provides financing to eligible small businesses for the purchase of commercial real estate. The 504 program distributes through three parties: business owner (10% contribution), a conventional bank (50%), Certified Development Company — also known as a CDC (40%).
The SBA 504 loan application process begins with your local bank — not the SBA itself. The maximum SBA debenture for the 504 commercial loan amount is $5 million. SBA 504 use of loan proceeds can not be used for working capital, inventory, consolidating debt, repaying debt, speculation of commercial real estate or investment in rental commercial real estate.
SBA 504 Features
- Maximum Loan-To-Value: 90%
- SBA 504 Rates: 90%
- SBA 504 Terms: 15-20 years
- SBA 504 Amortization: 20 years
SBA 7(a) Real Estate Financing
SBA 7(a) loan program is available to eligible small business owners to purchase commercial real estate (including both buildings and land), construction of a new commercial buildings, renovation of an existing commercial building, or to refinance an existing commercial mortgage.
The SBA 7(a) loan program is available to eligible small business owners to purchase commercial real estate (including both buildings and land), construction of a new commercial buildings, renovation of an existing commercial building, or to refinance an existing commercial mortgage.
The SBA 7(a) loan repayment terms make it very appealing for business owners looking to refinance their commercial real estate because of their maturities up to 25 years.
SBA 7(a) Features
- SBA 7(a) Maximum Loan-To-Value: 90%
- SBA 7(a) Commercial Real Estate Rates: 6.5%
- SBA 7(a) Commercial Real Estate Terms: 25 years
- SBA 7(a) Commercial Real Estate Amortization: 25 years